quite deep

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "quite deep" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that has significant depth, whether literal or metaphorical, such as a physical object, a concept, or an emotional state. Example: "The conversation we had last night was quite deep, touching on topics we rarely discuss."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

The sea's quite deep.

The Guardian

I sunk quite deep into that one.

The Guardian - Film

It can all get quite deep.

The New York Times - Food

It's quite deep house-y and that.

The Guardian

Frustrations seemed to run quite deep.

The Guardian

The problem is that the reserves are quite deep.

The New York Times

But I'm not convinced they dug quite deep enough.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Her real voice was quite deep and authoritative.

The Guardian - Opinion

What was done in the last three months has left quite deep scars here".

The New Yorker

Nicoletta's pizzas are not quite deep dish, but they are heading in that direction.

The New York Times - Food

The metaphorical value of sports is actually quite deep, when you stop and think about it.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "quite deep" to describe emotions or feelings, consider the specific nuance you want to convey. "Quite deep" suggests a significant level of emotion, but not necessarily the highest possible intensity. Choose alternatives like "very profound" or "extremely intense" for greater emphasis if needed.

Common error

While "quite deep" is acceptable, overuse in formal writing can make your prose sound repetitive. Vary your vocabulary by using stronger synonyms like "profound", "intense", or "significant" to maintain reader engagement and demonstrate a broader command of language.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "quite deep" functions primarily as a compound adjective. It modifies a noun to indicate a significant, but not necessarily extreme, degree of depth. Ludwig's examples confirm its adjectival role across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Lifestyle

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "quite deep" functions as a compound adjective that signifies a considerable degree of depth. As highlighted by Ludwig, it's grammatically correct and sees frequent usage across various contexts, particularly in news and media. While it’s generally acceptable, using more precise vocabulary can enhance formal writing. Choose alternative expressions like "rather profound" or "fairly intense" to fine-tune your message. The key takeaway is to consider the specific context and the desired level of emphasis when deciding whether to use "quite deep".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

rather profound

Replaces "deep" with "profound", suggesting a more intellectual or insightful depth.

pretty deep

A more informal synonym, suitable for casual conversation.

considerably profound

Emphasizes the significance of the depth, suggesting it is noteworthy.

significantly profound

Highlights the importance or impact of the depth being described.

somewhat profound

Uses "somewhat" to indicate a degree of depth, but slightly less than "quite".

remarkably deep

Emphasizes the unexpected or surprising nature of the depth.

relatively deep

Introduces a comparative aspect, implying depth relative to something else.

noticeably deep

Highlights that the depth is easily observed or detected.

fairly intense

Shifts the focus from depth to intensity, implying a strong or powerful feeling.

moderately intense

Similar to "fairly intense", but suggests a medium level of intensity.

FAQs

What does "quite deep" mean?

"Quite deep" means something is considerably deep, whether physically, emotionally, or intellectually. It indicates a significant degree of depth but not necessarily the maximum possible.

When is it appropriate to use "quite deep"?

It's appropriate to use "quite deep" when you want to describe something that has a notable level of depth, but you don't want to overstate the intensity. It fits well in both formal and informal contexts.

What are some alternatives to "quite deep"?

Depending on the context, alternatives to "quite deep" include "rather profound", "fairly intense", or "somewhat profound". The best choice depends on the specific shade of meaning you wish to convey.

How does the meaning of "quite deep" compare to "very deep"?

"Very deep" suggests a higher degree of depth than "quite deep". "Quite deep" implies a significant level, while "very deep" implies a substantial or extreme level.